Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay in Westminster, CO: $24.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a veterinary technologist and technician working in Westminster, CO runs $24.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,791 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2056). Weighted against Westminster's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $23.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,480 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westminster, Colorado, veterinary technologists and technicians are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $24.42 in 2026, slightly higher than the national median of $24.03. This salary level holds significance, especially for part-time employees working three days a week, as they would take home around $1,110 monthly based on a 24-hour work week, allowing for a good balance of work and life. For those pursuing per-diem work in various environments, such as general practice clinics, animal hospitals, or research settings, hourly rates can span from $18.82 for entry-level roles to about $33.67 for seasoned professionals. As the industry continues to evolve, these hourly estimates reflect the increased demand for skilled workers, especially in specialized fields where the demand is outstripping the supply.
About the Westminster Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($42,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.82 | $150.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.81 | $158.50 |
| Median (P50) | $24.42 | $195.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.38 | $243.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.67 | $269.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westminster
Based on $24.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.42/hr, a veterinary technologist and technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westminster, CO can expect to earn approximately $50,800 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,308. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Westminster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westminster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $976.93 | $4,233 | $50,800 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $586.16 | $2,540 | $30,480 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $390.77 | $1,693 | $20,320 |
Compare Vet Tech Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technologist and Technician (Westminster) | $24.42 |
| Veterinary Assistant (National Avg) | $17.99 |
| Veterinarian (National Avg) | $60.38 |
| Animal Care and Service Worker (National Avg) | $15.87 |
| Medical Lab Technician (National Avg) | $28.18 |
Veterinary Technologist and Technicians in Westminster, CO earn a median of $50,791 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.61% higher than the national median of $49,986 and 0.60% above the Colorado state average of $50,488.
Veterinary Technologist and Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.42/hr = $30,480/year (purchasing power: $29,029).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,800/year (purchasing power: $48,381).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$17.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Veterinary Technologists and Technicians in Westminster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Westminster grew 34.1% from $17.26/hr (2019) to $23.15/hr (2025). At a 5.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.77/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem veterinary technologists and technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Westminster metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Veterinary Technologist and Technician in Westminster
For veterinary technologists and technicians opting for a part-time schedule in Westminster, the annual take-home income can provide a comfortable living, though significantly less than full-time colleagues. Generally, part-time roles yield a lower yearly figure, though they offer flexibility that many in the field appreciate. In contrast, per-diem workers often have the advantage of higher rates, with typical billing ranging from $25 to $40 per hour, and expertly credentialed VTS specialists can command much more, from $35 to $55 an hour. Work environments like specialty hospitals or emergency clinics may offer considerably higher payscales, particularly for weekend or overnight shifts, where rates may spike to between $30 and $50 per hour. As some technicians weigh their options, accepting slightly lower hourly pay for benefits like health insurance could be appealing. When negotiating, it’s vital to consider these factors and be honest about your skills and desired rate to find the best fit in Westminster’s diverse job market.
More salary data for Westminster, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for veterinary technologists and technicians in Westminster in 2026?
How much do part-time veterinary technologists and technicians make in Westminster?
Are veterinary technologists and technicians in Westminster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time veterinary technologist and technician make per year in Westminster?
Do veterinary technologists and technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Westminster?
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Written by Jordan Lee, CVT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in veterinary technology. They specialize in emergency care. Jordan has worked in both clinic and hospital settings.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for veterinary technologists and technicians in Westminster. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Westminster is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for veterinary technologist and technicians (SOC 29-2056).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, CVT, a licensed veterinary technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov